I wish I knew how to play the accordian...

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Yesterday, I spent my day in Rothenburg. Rothenburg is famous for two things. Christmas decorations and Mideval everything! We began the trip with a freezing cold hike around the city but it was worth it. We got to see lot's of the lanscape and walked inside a mideval wall. At around noon, we were in the Marktplatz and saw the figurines pop out of the town clock at the Rathaus. Yay Glockenspiel! We went to St. Jakobs church but we didn't really get to see a whole lot.
After touring the city, we went to a Pizzeria. I had one of the best ham pizzas in the world. The hot chocolate and apple strudel topped it off really well. In the middle of dessert I heard what sounded like a marching band coming down the street. Low and behold what do you think it was? It was a marching band. It was a mini-parade. Behind the band marched little children in halloween-like costumes and their parents (some of which were dressed up as well). Apparently, that day happened to be their equivalent to Halloween.
After the pizzeria, we hit a lot of the christams shops. There were so many beautiful handmade ornaments. My favorite was this huge one with a fairytale theme. It was a mideval castle and each individual room representes a different Grimm Brother fairytale. Puss'n'boots, snow white, cinderella, etc. It was priced at 140 euros and I'm pretty sure it was worth it. After quickly loking through a bunch of shops it was time to fo to the Kriminalmuseum.
The Kriminalmuseum is full of torture mechanisms from the middle ages. Out front was a prison wagon and stocks. Inside there were plenty of disturbind tools like the Iron Maiden and tables that were made to pull peoples limbs from their body. It was a little more than depressing. However, I did find one paticular mechanism somewhat humorous. It was the one that was made for quarelling couples. They would put them in these stocks that were connected together and they wouldn't release them until they made up. At the very end of the museum there was a random gorgeous crown. The concensus is it's to make you forget about all of the horrible stuff you have just witnessed and leave you with a happy feeling.
It was then time for more shopping. One of the shops was full of assorted wood carvings. This included cutting boards and wall hangings even spatulas. The old man who worked there would burn a design in the wood for no extra cost. Let's just say someone is getting a gift. After all of that it was then time to head back to Schwaebisch Hall. It was another adventure filled day. Oh and I must add that while we were walking down the street there was a street performer playing the accordian. It was amazing! I didn't envy him sitting out in the cold though. Man, I wish I knew how to play the accordian.

P.S. The night before this trip I kicked everyone's butt in Poker... 😊

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Photos

Itty Bitty Little Car
The Icelanders are taking Pictures too.

The End of the Kriminalmuseum
A nice Royal Crown to make everyone feel better.

Comments

[jason Vance]

The accordian
Will Roger's definition of a gentlemen was, "A man who knows how to play the accordion and doesn't."

[Amy]

Rothenburg is one of my favorite cities in Germany. If you can, go in the summer. You can walk around the city on the wall surrounding it in beautiful weather. It's a great way to see the city. There was one restaurant I went to that had the best baked potato I have ever eaten! I wish I could remember the name of it!! :( Also, the criminal museum is quite interesting if you have the time to go. If not, an afternoon in the town square with a mokka eis (gelato! yum yum) just people watching is a fun way to relax and hang out.